Lebanese Justice Minister Thanks Qatar for Role in Release of Servicemen

Beirut, December 01 (QNA) - Lebanese Minister of Justice Ashraf Rifi expressed his gratitude to Qatar's Emir, government and people for the vigorous efforts to release the Lebanese servicemen who were captured in Arsal in August 2014 and have been held since then. The Lebanese minister made the remarks after the successful Qatari mediation to release 16 Lebanese servicemen in exchange for 25 prisoners, including 17 women and their children. The servicemen had arrived at the exchange point in the outskirts of Arsal where they were handed to the Lebanese side and exchanged for prisoners. They said they were treated well during their captivity, expressing delight at their release. As part of the deal, Lebanese Red Cross received the body of serviceman Mohamed Hamieh who was recently killed by militant groups. In a related development, the Lebanese General Directorate of General Security expressed in a statement gratitude to all who helped in the achievement of the humanitarian and patriotic process that led to the return of the servicemen to their home and families. (QNA)